post concert down time...

mia dancing

lilly dancing

dee dee, rooney, moe!

mia and i

david & lilly

rockin' with the doodlebops

David and I took Mia and Lilly to their first concert on sunday. they had lots of fun seeing these characters from TV live on stage!

Mazzy:

Thanks for the best trip. You are a love!
We can't wait for you to come home.

Much love,

Mia+Mommy+Daddy+tons of family and friends.

The Pool

A day at the pool. Julie, Miles, Mazlin and I went to the pool today. Mazlin and Miles both loved the water. They are such sweet babies. So laid back and content. It has been a great trip for all of us.

Thank you...

I came out of the elevator and walked to her. She gave me the biggest smile and it has been a love affair ever since. She screams and laughs and I know she was meant to be ours. Julie was able to videotape the meeting for me (thank you!) and I was able to videotape her meeting with Miles. I was doing well until her foster mother gave me the following handwritten list:

1. She likes music
2. She likes to play
3. She likes to have someone sing to her
4. She loves to play with her little blanket
5. She likes a lot of covers when she sleeps
6. She takes milk with her cereal
7. She loves juice
8. She eats only Gerber baby formula
9. She says Mama
10. She can walk with a walker
11. She loves to dance
12. She likes Mickey Mouse cartoons
13. She doesn't ever like to be alone.

Thank you for knowing all these things about our daughter. We will forever be grateful for your love and kindness...Dennis+Mia+Laurie+Mazlin

Our meeting

Adios

I pack tonight with mixed emotions..It is so surreal to be leaving to see your daughter for the first time. I'll be without Dennis and Mia. I'm going solo on this one. I know it is for the best since I won't be traveling to take Mazlin home. Dennis will be going with his Mom; which will be a very special trip for both of them and a special time to spend together. I'll be home with Mia. It just seems wrong to arrive home with a new little one (although, I know people do it every day), this way it will be more like a welcoming for Mia and me.

The second time around is much different. I'm not only seeing my daughter, I'm seeing Mia's sister. This makes me really emotional. All I can think of in looking at Mazzy for the first time, is what Mia will think and experience with this new addition. I've loved nothing more than being Mia's mommy. It has meant much more to me than I've realized. Being her mommy is the one thing I really feel like I've done well (even though I'm plaqued with doubt half the time) I know that I never want regrets and as long as I try my best, be honest and give lots of love...I won't go wrong. Dennis is a natural. He truly is the best father around. He's a great example for me to follow. Wish me luck. I'll post pictures as soon as I'm able.

Laurie

Where did they go?

Daddy's Surprise....

Mia made cookies at Jamie's house for St. Patrick's day.

While Mommy's Away...Mia and the Nanny will Play

About a month ago, I hired a nanny to take care of Mia in the house. I really like the place she was but this allows me to be there when she wakes up to read her a book or two and have lunch with her when I'm able. I work full-time from home and this has been a great situation for me. No stress in the morning, Mia sleeps in her own bed, wakes when she feels like it and Jamie fills her day with plenty of social activites.


Some people (My family) think I'm too strict with Mia's diet. No sugar, juice, fried foods, candy or cake (except for Birthdays). I've noticed over the last month or two that it has become much more difficult to control what she eats or drinks. Quite frankly, I find myself caring less and less. For example, she came back from the Zoo (which is a whole other story) and Jamie told me they stopped for French Fries. Honestly, it didn't even bother me compared to the gum she has been chewing lately, I think it is probably a better choice. Now the Zoo, on the other hand, is another issue.

Never Say Never

I received a call from Julie (Lily's mom) on Monday telling me she was going to Guatemala for a visit trip to see her son, Miles. I've said all along that I wouldn't do that to myself again. The reasons:

1. It is too hard to leave
2. I know she is in good care
3. I don't want to disrupt her schedule
4. She won't even know who I am
5. I don't want to leave Mia
6. I'm fine this time around and willing to be patient and meet her when Mia meets her

Ummm...Yeah, right. After talking with Julie, I realized that....

1. I need to see her
2. I need some alone time to bond this time around
3. I want to have pictures for her with just the two of us in Guatemala
4. I'm not going down for the pick-up trip


I leave March 22nd. Julie and I are going to share a suite with the little ones.

Never say never. Adios.

A few stripes and pink boots

Relaxing after a hard day

Who said being a child is easy? It can be very difficult to maneuver your banana and blueberries at the same time.